A Bit of Good Coronavirus News For Truckers

Trucking and Coronavirus: A Summary

It's been a less crowded but rocky road for America's 3.5 million truckers over the course of the past few weeks. The spread of novel Coronavirus and steady rise in active cases in the U.S. have not only caused a shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as medical gowns and masks, but the panic-buying habits of Americans have also increased demand for household items including toilet paper, disinfecting wipes and sprays, and hand sanitizer. Multiple areas around the country are also seeing empty grocery store shelves, meaning that truckers nationwide are working long days and weeks with many who have already been away from their families for long stretches of time.

The last couple of weeks have also seen a few unprecedented developments for the trucking industry, including a nationwide lift on Hours of Service regulations for truckers who are directly involved in the COVID-19 relief response. The much-dreaded annual International Roadcheck performed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has also been postponed.

Good News for Truckers Working Across the Country

As truckers endure the long hours and increased pressure for on-time deliveries, many were also experiencing closed rest stops, a lack of open restaurants or easy-cook grocery items, and hotels that aren't taking guests until the virus slows its spread.

But out of this hardship has risen a deep appreciation across the country for the dedicated and hard-working essential industries that are currently on the front lines, including trucking. And there have been some bright spots for the truckers out there who are continuing to keep America going during this time.

Truck Stops Step Up

Truck stops are necessary hubs for truckers to refuel both their vehicles and themselves. The National Association of Truck Stop Owners (NATSO), which represents the truck stop and travel plaza industry, has stated that their members fully intend to stay open for professional drivers to provide fuel and either quick-serve or grab-and-go food options.

"In these difficult times it is essential that the American people can count on the nation's professional truck drivers to continue delivering food and other essential products to communities throughout the country," said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings in a public statement. "The truckstop and travel center industry is committed to continuing to play the important role of feeding and fueling truck drivers."

OEMs and a Trucker Pitch in With PPE

Even with truckers working non-stop to deliver necessary medical items where they're needed most, there remains a nationwide shortage in available medical masks. In addition to hauling PPE, the trucking industry has also taken an active role to fill the increased need for masks.

Ford recently pivoted from its normal production and began making face shield masks after receiving an alert from Mayo Clinic that its first responders did not have enough to keep themselves protected. Ford heeded the call and more than 300 United Auto Workers employees working in two shifts assembled 1 million masks in two weeks. The masks were distributed to the first responders and medical workers who need them, plus 7,500 shipped to the New York City Police Department.

Additionally, Canadian trucker Petko Ganachev has turned his 3D printing hobby into a lifesaving venture by creating B.C. Covid-19 3D printing group, a collection of 3D printing volunteers who are creating thousands of face shields and mask straps for distribution. The group has also partnered with LNG studios, which has offices in both Canada and the U.S., to produce 3D architectural visualizations and help with production and funding.

Food Trucks and Restaurants Start Serving Up Grub

Finding healthy and hot food options has been one of the trickiest obstacles for truckers who are currently on the road. On April 3^rd, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration issued a temporary program called, "Operation of Commercial Food Trucks in Federally Funded Interstate Highway Rest Areas," allowing food trucks to operate and provide better food options for both essential travelers and truckers.

Although many sit-in restaurants are temporarily closed, many across the country are making their parking lots available to truckers who need somewhere to park and rest for the night. There are also restaurants who are accepting donations from patrons who want to donate hot meals to local and visiting truckers.

We Remain Open for Business

We're still navigating the Coronavirus situation as a nation, but we're still here for you. Our parts distribution centers remain open and operational at our standard business hours and capacity. We're dedicated to proactively ensuring the health and safety of not only our operations team as they continue to report to our parts distribution centers, but also to the rest of our team as they support our customers remotely.

We're here for you every step of the way and every member of our team remains dedicated to keeping America's trucks moving. Let's do this together.